A plumbing emergency often brings two immediate worries: the mess and the cost. The thought of a massive, unexpected repair bill can be just as stressful as the backup itself. But making a panicked decision can lead to hiring the wrong company and paying more than you should. This guide is here to help you make smart choices under pressure. We’ll break down what to expect for service costs, how to verify a plumber’s qualifications, and what questions to ask before you agree to any work. Choosing the right professional for emergency sewer and drain service is the most important decision you’ll make. Knowing what to look for ensures you get a fair price and a lasting solution, protecting both your property and your wallet.
Key Takeaways
- Know the difference between a clog and a crisis: A single slow drain is an annoyance, but multiple backups, gurgling pipes, and foul odors signal a main sewer line emergency. Your first move should be to shut off the main water valve to prevent further damage.
- Modern repairs protect your property: Professionals use advanced tools to solve the problem correctly. A video camera inspection pinpoints the exact issue, while trenchless pipe repair can fix a broken line from the inside out, saving your lawn and driveway from being destroyed.
- Simple habits prevent most sewer disasters: You can avoid the stress of an emergency with proactive care. Be mindful of what goes down your drains (no grease or wipes) and schedule routine professional cleanings to clear out buildup before it causes a major backup.
Spot the Warning Signs of a Sewer Emergency
A sewer problem can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to look for is the first step toward a fast solution. Some issues are minor annoyances, while others are true emergencies that need immediate attention. Catching these red flags early can save you from costly repairs, property damage, and serious health risks. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to pay close attention to what your plumbing is telling you.
Multiple Clogged Drains
One slow drain is usually a simple fix, but when your toilet, shower, and kitchen sink all start backing up at once, you likely have a bigger problem. This is a classic sign that your main sewer line is blocked. A clog in the main line prevents wastewater from leaving your home, causing backups in the lowest drains first. Ignoring this can lead to widespread water damage and unpleasant messes. If you’re dealing with several slow drains, it’s a good idea to get professional residential drain cleaning services to clear the main line before the issue gets worse.
Sewage Backups or Overflows
Seeing raw sewage backing up into your toilets, tubs, or floor drains is one of the most serious and unpleasant plumbing problems you can face. This isn’t just messy—it’s a major health hazard. Sewage contains harmful bacteria and pathogens that can make your family sick. A backup means your sewer line is completely blocked or has failed, and wastewater has nowhere to go but back into your home. This situation is a clear emergency that requires immediate professional help. Don’t wait to schedule service if you see or smell sewage where it doesn’t belong.
Strange Sounds and Foul Odors
Your plumbing system should operate quietly. If you start hearing gurgling noises from your toilets or drains, especially after flushing or running water, it’s often a sign of trapped air in a blocked pipe. These sounds are your pipes crying out for help. You should also be on alert for a persistent, foul odor of sewage inside or outside your home. This smell indicates that sewer gas may be escaping from a crack in your plumbing lines. Addressing these issues quickly can prevent a full-blown backup and keep your home safe.
Damp Spots on Your Lawn or Foundation
Have you noticed a patch of unusually green, lush grass in your yard? Or maybe a perpetually soggy or indented area? These can be signs of a broken sewer line leaking underground. The wastewater acts as a fertilizer, but it also means your pipe is compromised. You might also notice damp spots or cracks on your home’s foundation, sometimes accompanied by a sewage smell. A leaking sewer line can erode the soil supporting your home, leading to serious structural damage. A professional can perform a residential sewer pipe repair to fix the leak before it causes more harm.
Potential Health and Safety Risks
A plumbing issue becomes a true emergency when it threatens your family’s health or the safety of your property. Sewage backups expose you to dangerous bacteria, mold growth from water damage can cause respiratory issues, and escaping sewer gas is toxic. Beyond the health concerns, a major leak or backup can cause significant structural damage to your floors, walls, and foundation. If you’re facing any of the warning signs above, it’s crucial to act fast. Prioritizing these problems protects both your property and your well-being.
What to Do Immediately in a Sewer Emergency
A sewer backup is one of the most stressful situations a property owner can face. It’s messy, disruptive, and can feel completely overwhelming. But taking a deep breath and following a few key steps right away can protect your property and your family. When you’re dealing with a potential sewer emergency, your immediate actions matter most. Focus on safety first, then work on containing the problem. Here’s your action plan for the first critical moments.
Prioritize Your Safety
Your first priority is always the well-being of everyone in your home or building. If you notice a foul, rotten-egg smell, it could indicate a natural gas leak near the damaged sewer line. Do not hesitate—evacuate everyone, including pets, immediately. Call your gas company from a safe location. Raw sewage also contains harmful bacteria and contaminants, so keep children and pets far away from the affected area. Avoid direct contact with the wastewater and turn off your HVAC system to prevent airborne contaminants from circulating throughout your property. Your health and safety come before everything else.
Shut Off the Main Water Valve
To prevent the situation from getting worse, you need to stop the flow of water into your drains. Find your home’s main water shut-off valve and turn it off immediately. This single action can stop more water from entering your plumbing system and feeding the backup, saving you from more extensive flooding and damage. If you’re not sure where your valve is, check the basement, crawl space, or garage. Sometimes it’s located outside near the water meter. Knowing its location before an emergency strikes is one of the smartest things you can do as a homeowner.
Document the Damage for Insurance
Before you start any cleanup, grab your phone and document everything. Take clear photos and videos of the affected areas, including the source of the backup, the high-water marks on walls, and any damaged flooring or personal belongings. This visual evidence is essential when you file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance. Your insurer will want to see the extent of the damage before any repairs or cleaning begins. A detailed record makes the claims process much smoother and helps ensure you get the coverage you’re entitled to for the necessary repairs and restoration.
Know When to Call a Professional
Some plumbing issues can be a DIY fix, but a sewer backup isn’t one of them. If you have multiple drains clogging at once, water backing up into your shower when you flush the toilet, or visible sewage in your home, it’s time to call for help. These are clear signs of a main sewer line problem that requires specialized tools and expertise. Trying to fix it yourself can often make the problem worse. A professional can accurately diagnose the issue, whether it’s a severe clog or a broken pipe, and perform a safe and effective residential sewer pipe repair. Don’t wait for the damage to spread—schedule service with an expert right away.
Who to Call for Emergency Sewer Service
When a sewer line backs up, time is of the essence. You don’t have hours to vet dozens of companies while dealing with a potential overflow. You need a reliable, fast, and professional team that can handle the problem correctly the first time. The good news is that Southern California has several qualified emergency plumbing services ready to help. To make your decision easier during a stressful time, here’s a look at some of the most trusted names in the area, what they offer, and how they can get your home or business back to normal. Choosing the right one often comes down to their specific expertise, response time, and the technology they use to solve the problem efficiently. The key is finding a team that not only shows up quickly but also has the right tools and experience to diagnose and fix the root cause of the emergency, preventing it from happening again. This guide will walk you through some of the top choices so you can feel confident in who you call.
SWE Sewer Solutions
As a family-owned company serving Southern California since 1980, SWE Sewer Solutions brings decades of experience to every job. They are available around the clock for any emergency, from a persistent clog to a major sewage backup. What sets them apart is their commitment to using advanced technology, like trenchless pipe repair, which minimizes disruption to your property. They handle both residential and commercial issues with a focus on providing professional, dependable service. Whether you’re facing a simple drain issue or a complex sewer line failure, their team is equipped to deliver a lasting solution. When you need help fast, you can schedule service with them 24/7.
Roto-Rooter
Roto-Rooter is a well-known name in the plumbing industry, offering 24/7 emergency services in Long Beach and surrounding areas. They provide a wide range of solutions, including standard plumbing repairs, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services. Their round-the-clock availability makes them a reliable option when you’re facing an unexpected issue outside of normal business hours. They are equipped to handle emergencies for both residential and commercial properties, ensuring a plumber is always on call to respond to urgent situations. Their long-standing presence in the market has made them a familiar choice for many homeowners who need immediate assistance.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing
Mr. Rooter Plumbing also provides 24-hour emergency services to homes and businesses throughout the Long Beach area. They emphasize their availability at any time, day or night, without charging overtime fees for emergency calls. This can provide peace of mind for property owners worried about the high costs often associated with after-hours repairs. Their plumbers are licensed and insured, and they aim to provide courteous service and upfront pricing. Mr. Rooter is prepared to tackle a variety of plumbing emergencies, from burst pipes and severe clogs to sewer system backups, making them another accessible option for urgent needs.
A-1 Total Service Plumbing
Serving Long Beach and the greater Los Angeles area, A-1 Total Service Plumbing is another company that offers 24/7 availability for plumbing emergencies. They position themselves as a comprehensive service provider, ready to handle any plumbing issue that arises, no matter the time. Their team is on standby to respond to calls for everything from leaky faucets to more severe sewer line problems. For property owners in their extensive service area, they offer a dependable choice for emergency situations that require immediate attention from a qualified plumber. Their goal is to provide prompt and effective solutions to prevent further damage.
CME Sewer Repair
CME Sewer Repair specializes in addressing clogged sewer lines, making them a focused choice if you suspect a main line blockage is your core problem. They utilize modern, trenchless techniques like hydro-jetting and pipe lining to resolve issues with minimal digging and disruption. A key part of their service is offering free sewer camera inspections, which helps accurately diagnose the problem before work begins. This specialization can be particularly beneficial for complex or recurring sewer clogs. Their commitment to using advanced technology ensures they can provide fast and reliable repairs for even the toughest blockages.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Known for their slogan emphasizing punctuality, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offers emergency services with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and reliability. They guarantee their plumbers will arrive on time, which can be a significant relief during a stressful emergency. Their team is trained to handle a variety of urgent plumbing issues while maintaining a high standard of quality and professionalism. They provide clear communication and upfront pricing to ensure customers feel informed and respected throughout the repair process. This focus on the customer experience makes them a solid choice for homeowners who value dependable and courteous service.
Rescue Rooter
Rescue Rooter is another provider of emergency plumbing services that prioritizes a quick response and professional conduct. They understand that plumbing emergencies wait for no one and have structured their services to ensure a technician can be dispatched promptly to address the issue. Their plumbers are equipped to handle a wide range of problems, from drain cleaning to more significant sewer line repairs. The company is committed to resolving plumbing issues efficiently to help customers get their homes and lives back to normal as quickly as possible. Their focus on speed and professionalism makes them a go-to for many in need of urgent help.
What to Expect for Emergency Service Costs
A sewer emergency is stressful enough without the added worry of a surprise bill. Understanding the potential costs ahead of time can help you make clear-headed decisions when every minute counts. Emergency plumbing services are priced differently than standard appointments, and the final cost depends on the time of day, the complexity of the job, and the specific repairs needed. Being prepared for these variables puts you in a better position to manage the situation.
While it’s impossible to know the exact cost without a professional diagnosis, this guide will walk you through the typical expenses. We’ll cover the difference between standard and emergency rates, fees for common problems, and ways you can manage the financial side of the repair. This way, you can focus on getting the problem fixed quickly and correctly without being caught off guard by the final invoice.
Emergency vs. Standard Rates
It’s no surprise that emergency service comes at a premium. When you need a plumber on a holiday, weekend, or in the middle of the night, you can expect to pay more for the immediate response. Generally, emergency rates are 1.5 to 3 times higher than standard service call fees. While a regular plumber might charge between $40 and $200 per hour, an emergency call can range from $60 to $600 per hour, depending on the timing. Holiday rates tend to be the highest, so a Christmas Day pipe burst will cost significantly more to fix than a clog on a Tuesday afternoon. This higher rate covers the technician’s immediate availability and travel outside of normal business hours.
Common Service Fees to Know
The type of plumbing disaster you’re facing will be the biggest factor in your total cost. Some problems are simply more complex and labor-intensive to fix than others. For example, a straightforward toilet repair might cost between $150 and $375. However, a major issue like a main sewer line clog can be one of the most expensive emergencies, with costs ranging from $1,325 to $5,000. A burst pipe is another common but potentially costly problem, with repairs falling anywhere from $150 to over $5,000. If you’re dealing with a damaged sewer line, a modern solution like trenchless pipe repair can often save your landscaping and reduce long-term costs.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Before you approve a major repair, take a moment to pull up your homeowner’s insurance policy. While routine maintenance and issues from neglect are typically not covered, many policies do cover damage from sudden and accidental events, like a burst pipe. Your policy might cover the cost of accessing the pipe, the repair itself, and even the water damage cleanup. It’s always worth a five-minute phone call to your insurance agent to clarify what your coverage includes. A home warranty, if you have one, is another resource to check. Understanding your coverage can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and provide much-needed financial relief during a stressful time.
Ask About Payment Plans and Financing
A major sewer repair is an unexpected expense that most of us don’t have budgeted for. Don’t hesitate to ask your plumbing company about their payment options. Many professional services, including ours, understand the financial strain and may offer payment plans or financing to help you manage the cost. In some situations, you might also ask for a temporary fix to stop the immediate crisis. This can prevent further damage and buy you time to get additional quotes or arrange for a full repair during regular business hours at a lower rate. When you schedule service with us, we’re always upfront about costs and happy to discuss your options.
How Professionals Tackle Sewer Emergencies
When you’re facing a sewer backup, the last thing you want is guesswork. Professional plumbers don’t just show up with a standard snake and hope for the best. We use a combination of advanced technology and proven techniques to accurately diagnose the issue and resolve it efficiently. This systematic approach not only fixes the immediate problem but also helps prevent it from happening again. Understanding these methods can give you peace of mind, knowing your property is in capable hands. Here’s a look at how experts handle sewer emergencies from start to finish.
See Inside with a Video Camera Inspection
This is the first and most critical step. Instead of guessing, a professional will use a high-resolution waterproof camera attached to a flexible rod to see exactly what’s happening inside your pipes. This video camera inspection travels through your sewer line, sending a live feed back to a monitor. We can pinpoint the exact location and nature of the problem—whether it’s a stubborn clog, invasive tree roots, a cracked pipe, or a collapsed section. This diagnostic tool is essential because it eliminates guesswork, ensuring that the solution we choose is the right one for your specific situation, saving you time and money on unnecessary repairs.
Clear Blockages with Hydro Jetting
Once we know what we’re dealing with, it’s time to clear the way. For tough clogs caused by grease, sludge, or other heavy buildup, a simple snake often isn’t enough. That’s where hydro jetting comes in. This technique uses a specialized hose to blast highly pressurized water through your pipes, scouring them clean. Think of it as pressure washing for the inside of your sewer line. It doesn’t just poke a hole through the blockage; it obliterates it and flushes away all the debris. This method is incredibly effective for both residential drain cleaning and maintaining commercial lines, restoring your pipes to near-original capacity without using harsh chemicals.
Fix Pipes with Trenchless Repair Methods
If the camera inspection reveals a cracked, broken, or deteriorating pipe, the thought of digging up your beautiful yard can be stressful. Luckily, that’s often not necessary anymore. Modern trenchless pipe repair allows us to fix your sewer line from the inside out with minimal disruption to your property. Using techniques like pipe lining, we can create a brand-new, durable pipe right inside the old one. This process involves inserting a resin-coated liner and inflating it, which then hardens to form a seamless, joint-free pipe. It’s faster, cleaner, and often more cost-effective than traditional excavation, saving your lawn, driveway, and sanity.
Replace Damaged Pipes
Sometimes, a pipe is too severely damaged for a liner to be effective. In cases of a complete collapse or a major offset in the line, a full replacement might be the only option. While this sounds intimidating, even this process has become more efficient. Professionals will determine the most strategic way to access and replace the damaged section, aiming to minimize the impact on your property. We can often use targeted digging instead of creating a massive trench. A full sewer pipe repair ensures the structural integrity of your system is restored, providing a long-term solution that protects your home or business from future backups and leaks for decades to come.
Remove Intrusive Tree Roots
Tree roots are a primary cause of sewer line damage. They are naturally drawn to the moisture and nutrients inside your pipes and can sneak in through the tiniest crack or joint. Once inside, they grow into a thick, tangled mass that catches debris and causes major blockages. Professionals use specialized tools, like mechanical augers with cutting heads, to slice through these roots and clear the line. After removing the immediate threat, we can recommend a permanent fix. Often, lining the pipe after root removal is the best way to seal off entry points and prevent the roots from growing back. When you’re ready for a lasting solution, you can schedule service to discuss your options.
Choose the Right Emergency Service Provider
When you’re facing a sewer emergency, the last thing you want to do is scramble to find a reliable plumber. The pressure is on, but making a hasty decision can lead to bigger problems. Taking a few moments to vet your options ensures you hire a true professional who can solve the issue quickly and correctly. Here’s a simple checklist to help you choose the right team for the job, even when you’re in a hurry.
Verify Their Qualifications
First things first, make sure any plumber you consider is licensed and insured. This isn’t just a formality; it’s your protection. A license proves they have the required training and knowledge to handle complex sewer and drain issues safely. Insurance protects you from liability if an accident happens on your property. Any reputable company will be upfront about their credentials. Don’t hesitate to ask for proof. Choosing a qualified professional for services like drain cleaning means you’re getting someone who knows how to do the job right without causing further damage to your plumbing system.
Confirm Their Response Time
In a plumbing emergency, every minute counts. A burst pipe or a sewage backup can cause significant water damage the longer it’s left unaddressed. When you call a service provider, one of your first questions should be about their estimated response time. A reliable emergency plumber can typically arrive within one to two hours. A company that prioritizes rapid response understands the urgency of your situation. If you’re dealing with an active crisis, you need a team that can get to you quickly. You can often schedule service online or by phone for the fastest possible dispatch.
Check Their Service Area
It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how often people call a company that doesn’t even service their neighborhood. Before you get too far into the conversation, confirm that the provider operates in your specific area of Southern California. Many established companies cover a wide region and handle issues for both homes and commercial properties. Knowing they serve your location and have experience with your type of property gives you confidence that they have the local knowledge and resources to handle your emergency efficiently. A quick check on their website or a direct question over the phone can save you valuable time.
Ask About Insurance and Warranties
A trustworthy plumbing company will always stand behind its work. Ask about the warranties they offer on both parts and labor. This guarantee is your assurance that if something goes wrong with the repair, they will come back and fix it. It shows that the company is confident in the quality of its services and the durability of the materials it uses. This is especially important for major jobs like a sewer pipe repair, where you want long-term peace of mind. A solid warranty protects your investment and ensures the job is done to the highest standard.
Read Recent Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are an invaluable resource for gauging a company’s performance. They offer honest, real-world feedback on everything from response times and professionalism to the quality of the repair. Look for recent testimonials to get an up-to-date picture of their service. Positive reviews often highlight specific strengths, like a technician who arrived promptly to fix a burst pipe or provided outstanding service from start to finish. Reading about other customers’ experiences can help you feel more confident in your decision and know what level of service to expect when the plumber arrives at your door.
Prevent Future Sewer Emergencies
Dealing with a sewer emergency is something no one wants to go through twice. The good news is that you can take control and significantly reduce the risk of future disasters. Being proactive about your plumbing health not only saves you from stress and unexpected costs but also protects your property in the long run. Think of it as simple, preventative care for one of your home or business’s most critical systems. Here are some straightforward steps you can take to keep your sewer lines clear and functioning smoothly.
Stick to a Regular Maintenance Schedule
Your plumbing system works hard every day, and just like any other essential system, it benefits from regular check-ups. Sticking to a maintenance schedule helps you catch small issues before they escalate into full-blown emergencies. Preventative residential drain cleaning services can clear out minor buildup that, if left alone, could lead to a major blockage. For businesses, routine commercial sewer line cleaning is crucial for avoiding disruptions. Addressing a slow drain or a minor leak right away is always easier and more affordable than dealing with a sewer backup later. It’s a simple habit that offers significant peace of mind.
Get Professional Inspections
While you can spot some issues on your own, a professional inspection provides a much deeper look into the health of your pipes. Trained technicians use specialized equipment to identify hidden problems like cracks, corrosion, or tree root intrusion that aren’t visible from the surface. A professional can assess the overall condition of your pipes and suggest ways to strengthen them against future clogs or damage. Think of it as an annual physical for your plumbing. By having an expert schedule service for an inspection, you get a clear picture of your system’s health and can make informed decisions to prevent costly surprises.
Watch for Early Warning Signs
Knowing the difference between a simple clog and a main sewer line problem can save you a lot of trouble. Pay attention to what your plumbing is telling you. If multiple drains in your home or business are clogged at once, that’s a major red flag. Other key signs include water backing up into other fixtures (like the shower when you flush the toilet), loud gurgling sounds from your drains, and persistent foul odors. You might also notice unusually damp or lush spots in your yard, which could indicate a leak in the sewer line. Catching these signs early often means you’ll only need a residential sewer pipe repair instead of a complete replacement.
Use Drain-Safe Products
What goes down your drains has a huge impact on your sewer lines. Many common household items can build up over time and create stubborn clogs. Kitchen grease, coffee grounds, and food scraps should always go in the trash, not the sink. Even products marketed as “flushable,” like wet wipes and feminine hygiene products, don’t break down properly and are a leading cause of blockages. Being mindful of what you flush and rinse away is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your pipes. It’s a small daily habit that makes a big difference in preventing clogs.
Invest in Long-Term Protection
For ultimate peace of mind, consider investing in modern solutions that protect your sewer system for years to come. Technologies like hydro jetting use high-pressure water to thoroughly clean the inside of your pipes, removing years of accumulated grease, scale, and debris. This is far more effective than traditional snaking methods. If you have older pipes or are concerned about tree roots, trenchless pipe repair is a game-changer. This method allows professionals to repair or reline your pipes from the inside out without having to dig up your yard. These services are powerful preventative measures that strengthen your system and stop problems before they start.
Protect Your Property and Health
A sewer emergency is more than just a messy inconvenience—it’s a serious event that can have lasting consequences for your property and well-being. Acting quickly isn’t just about stopping a backup; it’s about protecting your home’s structure, your family’s health, and your financial investment. When you understand the full scope of the risks, you can see why calling a professional right away is so important. A swift response helps contain the problem before it spirals into a much larger, more expensive issue that disrupts your life for weeks instead of days.
These situations are stressful, but knowing what’s at stake can help you make clear, decisive choices to get things back to normal as soon as possible. The difference between a contained issue and a full-blown catastrophe often comes down to a matter of hours. From preventing the spread of harmful bacteria that can make your family sick to avoiding costly structural repairs that can drain your savings, taking immediate action is the best way to safeguard everything you’ve worked for. It’s about being proactive in a reactive situation to minimize the fallout and restore your peace of mind.
Prevent Contamination Spread
The most immediate danger of a sewage backup is the health risk it poses. Raw sewage is filled with harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens that can cause serious illnesses and infections. When wastewater enters your living space, it contaminates everything it touches, from floors and walls to the very air you breathe. This isn’t just dirty water; it’s a biohazard that requires careful handling. Protecting your family means addressing the source of the contamination immediately. A professional team can not only fix the plumbing issue but also advise on how to safely clean and sanitize the affected areas, ensuring your home is a healthy environment once again.
Minimize Structural Damage
Ignoring a sewer line issue can lead to significant and costly structural damage. A blockage creates immense pressure inside the pipe, which can easily cause it to crack, leak, or even collapse entirely. What starts as a simple clog can quickly escalate into wastewater flooding your yard or seeping into your home’s foundation. This moisture can weaken structural components, ruin flooring, and lead to hidden mold growth that causes further health problems. Prompt residential sewer pipe repair is essential to prevent a minor problem from compromising the integrity of your entire property and turning into a massive repair bill.
Consider Environmental Impacts
A broken sewer line doesn’t just affect your property; it can also harm the surrounding environment. Leaking sewage can contaminate the soil in your yard and seep into the local groundwater, impacting plants, wildlife, and even nearby water sources. It’s a problem that extends beyond your property lines. Professional plumbers can identify the root cause of the problem and recommend durable solutions. Modern methods like trenchless pipe repair offer a way to fix pipes with minimal disruption to your landscape, creating a stronger, more reliable system that protects both your property and the local ecosystem for years to come.
Protect Your Property’s Value
Your home is one of your biggest investments, and unresolved plumbing problems can seriously diminish its value. A history of sewer backups or evidence of water damage can be a major red flag for potential buyers and may lead to expensive, complicated repairs down the road. A plumbing issue becomes an emergency when waiting to fix it puts your home or family at risk. By addressing problems as soon as they appear, you not only prevent further damage but also protect your property’s long-term value. When you see the first signs of trouble, it’s always best to schedule service and get ahead of the issue before it escalates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
My sewer is backing up, but only a little. Can I wait until morning to call? Even a small backup is a sign that your main sewer line is completely blocked and wastewater has nowhere else to go. Waiting allows that wastewater to saturate your floors, subflooring, and wall cavities, leading to much more extensive damage and potential mold growth. It’s always better to treat any backup as an emergency to protect your property and health from a problem that can get much worse in just a few hours.
What’s the real difference between a simple clog and a main sewer line problem? A simple clog usually isolates itself to a single drain. For example, your kitchen sink might be slow to drain, but your toilet and shower work just fine. A main sewer line problem, however, affects your entire plumbing system. You’ll notice multiple fixtures backing up at once, often starting at the lowest point in your home. You might also hear gurgling sounds from your drains or smell sewage, which are clear signs the issue is in the main line.
How can I tell if tree roots are the problem without digging up my yard? Recurring clogs that keep coming back after being cleared are a classic sign of tree root intrusion. You might also notice your drains are running slower than they used to or hear gurgling sounds more frequently. The only way to know for sure without excavating is with a professional video camera inspection. A technician can feed a camera through your pipes to see exactly what’s going on and confirm if roots are the culprit.
Is hydro jetting safe for older pipes? This is a great question, and the answer depends on the pipe’s condition. Before we ever recommend hydro jetting, we perform a video camera inspection to assess the integrity of your pipes. If the pipes are structurally sound, hydro jetting is an incredibly effective and safe way to clean them. If we find that a pipe is fragile, cracked, or on the verge of collapse, we would recommend a different solution, like trenchless pipe lining, to fix the pipe first.
Why are ‘flushable’ wipes so bad for my plumbing? Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to dissolve quickly in water, so-called “flushable” wipes are made with synthetic fibers that don’t break down. When you flush them, they can easily snag on any imperfection inside your pipes. Over time, they build up, catching grease and other debris to form dense, stubborn clogs that a simple plunger or snake can’t fix. Sticking to only flushing toilet paper is one of the best ways to prevent these kinds of blockages.